Defibrillators rolled out across SA’s reservoir reserves

SA Water has installed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at eight publicly accessible reservoir reserves across metropolitan and regional South Australia, providing vital assistance to visitors in an emergency.

Defibrillators when used in conjunction with cardiac compressions help ensure critical support can be given to a person in the first few minutes after an incident of cardiac arrest.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said the placement of AEDs at these public sites underscores the utility’s dedication to creating safe and inclusive community spaces.

“Any member of the community can access these life saving devices when needed, with each AED located in a publicly accessible place, available during reservoir opening hours and carrying clear step-by-step instructions,” James said.

“AEDs are user-friendly and equipped with intuitive features, enabling people to confidently use the devices when needed.

“Each defibrillator is located near toilet blocks within the reservoir reserves, with four at Happy Valley, two each at Warren, Myponga, South Para, and Hope Valley and one at Barossa, Bundaleer, and Mount Bold.

“All are publicly registered with the SA Ambulance Service AED Register.”

The AED equipment analyses the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

SA Ambulance Service Executive Director Critical Operational Services Kate Clarke said when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer pumping blood to vital organs in the body.

“Providing cardiac compressions and utilising an AED is where the community can step in to make an extraordinary difference,” Kate said.

“AEDs can be used by anyone and require no training. When you call Triple Zero (000) in a cardiac emergency, our call takers will direct you through the steps to use the AED until a crew arrives.

“For every minute that we delay defibrillation, the chances of the person surviving a cardiac arrest decreases by 10 per cent. The early use of a defibrillator by members of the public can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival.”

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